Pepes focus on trials

DESPITE uncertainty over their participation at next month’s netball World Cup qualfiers in New Zealand the Papua New Guinea Pepes will have another set of trials this weekend at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex.
Pepes coach Richanda Leigh Kassman said the squad would be split up to play matches tomorrow as the coaching staff looks to fine tune their preparations and ensure the players stayed fit and ready for the tournament in Auckland.
Kassman said staging trial matches was beneficial because they enabled the country’s best talent to face off against each other ensuring a high level of competition.
“These trials are good for the PNG-based players as the seven Australia-based teammates will join them next month for the final selection trial,” Kassman said.
“This is a strong side with the mix of PNG and overseas-based players preparing for the World Cup Qualifier.
“We have a lot of potential talents who are trying to break through to the next level.
“They have undergone intensive training for almost two months and look pretty good in this preparation period.
“We have a lot of experience in players like Rayleen Andrew, Tau Galewa, Nerrie Adulah, Margaret Eka, and Julie-Anne Diro and they are complemented with young prospects who are coming on very well and can’t wait to play for their country.
Pepes squad: Jeperth Tulapi, Rayleen Andrew, Boio Peter, Sasarino Pedro, Nancy Alu, Ravusiro Vali, Tiata Baldwin-Ovia, Jacklyn Lahari, Shanna Dringo, Kimberley Alex, Mayleen Nona, Neritha Adula, Mary Ellen Bonser, Tau Galewa, Julie-Anne Diro, Margaret Eka, Serena Ovia, Nancy Beaso, Carol Kanapoti, Hannah Borreto.